Arne Slot is enduring a difficult second season as Liverpool head coach after leading the club to the Premier League title in his first (Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)

While many an inquest has been opened on just where Arne Slot and this new-look Liverpool have gone wrong this season, the legendary John Barnes is viewing things with a wider lens.

A gap that stands at double digits between them and Premier League leaders Arsenal means the defending champions are almost certain not to retain their crown and nudge ahead of historic rivals Manchester United on to 21 titles.

For Barnes, though, the short-term pain is bearable for the long-term gain as a different Reds squad look to develop, grow and, in time, thrive together.

A total outlay close to £450m over the summer m

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